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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled an elf deck at some point? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two popular examples that fit perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever more permanents with this type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become power when a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies on the journey to bring back peace across the world, and there's no better method to show this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial card announcement, below are a look at one Ally and one Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while also pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.